Revolutionary era people drank ale and cider because water wasn’t safe to drink. They also drank because life was hard and depressing much of the time.
It is interesting to note that the most culturally conservative Christians, the Amish and Old Order Mennonites, drink wine and beer. Tobacco use, in the form of pipes and cigars, is also not unknown among them.
And to add. Back then they were in pain with bad teeth etc. had to numb it.